Logo image
Back
The impact of heated garments on substitute performance in soccer match-play
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The impact of heated garments on substitute performance in soccer match-play

Gavin Cowper, Stuart Goodall, Kirsty M. Hicks, Louise Burnie, Kai Fox, Andrew Coyles and Marc Briggs
Journal of thermal biology, Vol.133, 104288
2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104288
pdf
Published1.89 MBDownloadView
CC BY V4.0,  Open Access

Abstract

Objectives soccer substitutes experience lengthy periods of limited to no activity, before entering match play, which can lead to decrements in muscle temperature and performance. The present study determined whether performance and perceptual responses are affected following the implementation of a passive heat intervention used by substitutes in cold (∼7 °C) conditions. Design on two occasions, 10 trained male soccer players completed a standardised pre-match warm-up, followed by 45 min of being a substitute. After this, players completed a half-time re-warm-up before an additional 15 min of passive rest, replicating 60 min as a substitute. Methods substitutes wore a standardised tracksuit (CON) or heated trousers (HEAT), over typical soccer attire. Core temperature and perceptual data were recorded every 15 min. Following the 60 min, players entered an 11 vs. 11 match for the final 30 min which included measurement of GPS variables. Results upon match entry, players felt warmer (P < 0.01) and more comfortable (P < 0.01) in HEAT compared to CON, without differences in core temperature (P = 0.223). Furthermore, participants felt less fatigued (P < 0.05) and more motivated (P < 0.01). Throughout the match, distance covered at >21 km/h (325 ± 187 vs. 210 ± 113 m/h; P < 0.05) and the number of Band 3 accelerations (>3 m/s; 9.67 ± 5.1 vs. 6.11 ± 3.8; P < 0.05) increased in HEAT compared to CON. Conclusions implementing a passive heating intervention before match entry, positively impacts physical performance and perceptual responses for soccer substitutes in cold conditions.

Details

Metrics

1 File views/ downloads
4 Record Views
Logo image